Lirhembe Arsenal from Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County are the winners of the 2023 Cleo Malala Super Cup that concluded on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Mumias Sports Complex.

Lirhembe emerged victorious after beating ten-man Kona Legends of Likuyani Constituency 2-1  after extra time following a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

Lirhembe have walked home with three million Kenyan shillings following the victory at a parked Mumias Sports Complex while Kona Legends have pocketed half the amount for winning the silver medal.

The five-day sports bonanza was scheduled to conclude on Saturday, December 20, 2023, but the final was moved to Sunday after the pitch proved unplayable due to heavy downpour.

Lirhembe Arsenals vs Kona Legends: How the final unfolded

Kona Legends kicked off the match on the front foot ready to bag the ultimate prize in the 48-team sports extravaganza that brought together teams from a host of counties in the region.

Despite looking sharper and stronger as the match progressed, Kona found themselves trailing just moments to the break after Lirhembe’s Mark Shaban broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.

Lirhembe’s lead was however shortlived as Christopher Koloti struck in the 45th minute to tie the game at 1-1. This was Koloti’s seventh goal of the Cleo Malala Super Cup.

There was nothing in terms of goals after the break. The second half only witnessed high emotions and sending-offs – either for foul play or foul mouth.

Collins Shivachi who was on the bench for Lirhembe Arsenal was sent off dissent midway through the second half before Kona Legends lost Jonathan Lodaket to a second booking in the 89th with the game tied at 1-1.

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The match ended in a drawing regulation time forcing the referee to call for 30 minutes of extra time to decide the affair. Kona Legends with a man less.

The first 15 minutes of extra time experience no goal. It wasn’t until the second half of extra-time that Shabana sent the Lirhembe fraternity into a frenzy with a well-hit strike that capped his brace and won the Super Cup for the Ikolomani side.